What Your Eyes Say About Your Blood Sugar: The Truth Every Diabetic Needs to Know
Most people don't realize this—but your eyes are the only place in your body where we can see your blood vessels directly, without cutting you open. No pokes. No scopes. Just a clear window into your health.
And if you have diabetes, this is where your story could change.
"I Feel Fine… So Why Are You So Worried About My Eyes?"
It happens all the time in my clinic.
A patient comes in for a "routine checkup," and when I ask about their diabetes, they shrug.
"My sugar's been okay lately. I think."
But when I look at their retina, the story changes.
Tiny leaks. Swollen vessels. Early signs of diabetic retinopathy. Sometimes even bleeding in the back of the eye—all before they notice a single change in vision.
That's the problem with diabetes-related eye disease: it's silent… until it's not.
Let Me Be Blunt: If You Have Diabetes, Skipping Your Eye Exam Could
Cost You Your Vision
Here's what most people don't get:
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness in Canada.
It doesn't hurt.
Your vision might still be perfect.
And once it starts getting worse, we can't always reverse it.
But here's the good news: we can catch it early—and do something about it.
In our eye care clinics, we've built our eye exams around early detection. We use high-resolution imaging tools like:
Optomap ultra-widefield retinal scans – this lets us see over 80% of your retina without dilating your eyes.
OCT retinal scans – this gives us a 3D cross-section of your retina to detect swelling, leaking, and structural changes even before your vision is affected.
These are tools that help us see what others miss. And they're included in every diabetic eye exam we do.
Alberta Health Covers Your Diabetic Eye Exam
If you've been diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, your yearly eye exams are fully covered through Alberta Health. No referral. No out-of-pocket cost. No excuses.
📢 PSA for every person with diabetes in Edmonton: You don't need a doctor's referral to book an eye exam with us. Just call or book online.
And yes—we bill Alberta Health directly.
What We Actually Do During a Diabetic Eye Exam
Here's what happens during a proper diabetic eye exam at our clinic:
✅ We review your A1C and blood sugar history
✅ We check your vision
✅ We assess your retina and optic nerve using OCT, Optomap and a dilated retinal exam.
✅ We look for signs of:
Retinal swelling or bleeding
Macular edema
Leaking blood vessels
Nerve damage (like from high blood pressure)
Then, we show you the images so you can see what we see. Education matters. We don't just say "everything looks good"—we show you why.
The Bottom Line: Diabetes Doesn't Just Affect Your Blood. It Affects Your Life.
If there's one thing I want you to take away from this, it's this:
Vision loss from diabetes is preventable—but only if you take action early.
I've seen too many patients wish they came in sooner. Don't let that be you.
Schedule Your Diabetic Eye Exam in Edmonton
I am dedicated to helping individuals with diabetes protect their vision for life. My clinics are equipped with the latest technology, we bill Alberta Health directly, and we ensure that you leave feeling confident and informed about your eye health.
P.S. If you've never had a retinal image taken or don't remember your last eye exam, now is the perfect time to take action. You don't need to wait until there's a problem; you just need to get started!
Disclaimer: The content provided on this website, including blog posts authored by Dr. Ross McKenzie, is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with a licensed optometrist or healthcare provider. No doctor-patient relationship is established through the use of this website or its content. The information shared is not intended to endorse or recommend any specific medical treatments or guarantee outcomes. Users are encouraged to consult their own healthcare providers regarding any health concerns. The team at drrossmckenzie.ca does not assume liability for any decisions made based on the information provided. Use of this website is at your own risk.
Hey there, I’m
Dr. Ross McKenzie
I’m an Edmonton-based optometrist who believes clear vision is about more than just eyesight — it’s about seeing your life, your work, and your health with clarity.
I love smart tech, sharp lenses, and helping people show up fully in every part of their day — whether that’s behind a desk, behind the wheel, or on a ski hill.
My Mission? To bring real, honest eye care to real people — with a side of science, strategy, and style.
